Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)
BSGI is a safe, comfortable imaging technique that can aid in breast cancer diagnosis when a mammogram is inconclusive. Typically used as a less-invasive "next step" when a mammogram reveals an area of concern, BSGI is especially useful in early breast cancer detection and may help prevent the need for a biopsy.
Legacy Good Samaritan Breast Health Center was the first breast-imaging center in Oregon to employ this state-of-the-art technology, which is shown to be 96% accurate in determining if cancer is present.
When BSGI is helpful
BSGI is especially helpful for patients who have:
- Dense breast tissue
- Suspicious areas on a mammogram
- Lumps that can be felt but not seen with mammography or ultrasound
- Breast augmentation that may interfere with a mammogram's reading
- Scarring from previous surgeries
BSGI also provides valuable information for determining extent of a primary lesion, detecting a secondary lesion, and evaluating the axillary region for node status in breast cancer patients.
How BSGI works
BSGI uses a special camera that allows imaging with minimal breast compression and a small amount of a tracing agent that's injected into your arm or foot. The tracing agent is absorbed by all the body's cells, but because cancerous cells have a higher rate of metabolic activity, the tracing agent generally concentrates in cancer cells if they are present, showing up as darker areas of enhancement.
You'll be seated comfortably throughout the process, and each view takes only 5 to 10 seconds.
|
